Birdwatching Tour - Kathmandu, Koshi Tappu and Chitwan

Nepal is a paradise for bird lovers with over 856 species (almost 10% of the world total) of birds. And among them almost 500 hundred species are found in the Kathmandu Valley alone. The most popular bird watching spots in Kathmandu, Godavari, Nagarjun, and so on, outside for Chitwan.

Things to do

What's Included?

Airport pick up & Drop off transportation as per itinerary
Twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu, in 5 stars based with breakfast as per itinerary
Kathmandu Biratnagar flight fare for members & guide as per itinerary
Accommodation In Koshi Tappu reserve as per itinerary
3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) in Koshi Tappu as per itinerary
All national park fees & reserved fees as per itinerary
Koshi - Chitwan - Kathmandu private transportation as per itinerary
Accommodation in Chitwan in as per itinerary
3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) In Chitwan as per itinerary
Escorted trip with an experienced English speaking bird watching guide with all his equipments
Accommodation, Meals, Salary, Equipments & insurance of guide as per itinerary
First Aid kit
Travel & Rescue arrangement.
All government taxes.

Things to do

What's not Included?

International Airfare
Nepal Visa fee (US$ 50 per person for 30 days)
Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage charges.
Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu as per itinerary
Tips for guide & Driver
Medical evacuation in case of emergency.
Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
Client's insurance, Items of personal nature i.e. Soft/hard drinks, Tips etc.
Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case extra will be charged as per actual
Anything not specified in cost include section

Things to do

Brief itinerary

Day 1
International Arrival.
Day 2
Birdwatching tour in Godawari & Phulchoki hill (1520m – 2760m)
Day 3
Fly, Kathmandu / Biratnagar / Koshi Tappu Aqua Birds Resort
Day 4
Koshi Tappu Aqua Birds Resort
Day 5
Drive to Chitwan National Park Overnight in Resort
Day 6
Birdwatching Tour and Jungle activities. Overnight in Resort
Day 7
Jungle Activities & Drive to Kathmandu Overnight in Hotel
Day 8
Depart Kathmandu B

View All Itinerary | Travel Information

Day 1
International Arrival.

Langtang Ri Trekking & expedition representative will greet you in an airport & transfer you to hotel; here you will be formally introduced to your Guide and the activities to be enjoyed over the next few days. We will also ask for your passport photographs and any other details required for your trek permits, at this stage.
Day 2
Birdwatching tour in Godawari & Phulchoki hill (1520m – 2760m)

After breakfast, continue drive to Pulchowki which is an ideal site, with a Redheaded Trogan, a very rate bird sighted there in April 2002 (it was last seen in Nepal 44 years ago). Phulchowki is located at 2760 meters and 18kms southeast of Kathmandu and one can reach via Godawari – the Botanical Gardens. Walking can start from behind the gardens, with a combination of trails and roads. The hillside is covered with forest featuring outstanding flora as well as diverse birds. About 90 species have been recorded in this area including the endemic spring babbler, as well as the Curia, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufus Bellied Pied Woodpeckers and the Black-throated Parrot bill etc.
Day 3
Fly, Kathmandu / Biratnagar / Koshi Tappu Aqua Birds Resort

This Day after breakfast, fly to Biratnagar & continue drive to Koshi Tappu Aqua Birds resort.The wetland of Koshi Tappu is the major international staging point for migratory wader, waterfowls and the birds of prey in Nepal. The area is the largest expanse of wetland in Nepal and holds rich variety of marsh birds. It is also of interest for some birds typical of dry grassland and shrubs.The Koshi is great for waterfowl and waders, with about 26 varieties of ducks alone. Here the method of viewing is by boat, gliding through the waters in the stillness of the early morning and evenings. Over 450 species have been sighted hare, including Black Ibis, Honey Kites, Ospreys, Black Headed Orioles, Peregrine Falcon, Partridges.
Day 4
Koshi Tappu Aqua Birds Resort

This day after breakfast , you will do birding in the Chatara-Dharan Forest. One can extend to do birding in the Mai Valley-Hangetham or Ilam – Sunischare that will require additional five days. The best sites for bird-watching are between the river, grassland, bushes and marshes along the eastern embankments from Haripur to Madhuban. The barrage and the wetlands nearby it, the Pink tower is also good for bird-watching. Rare mammals occurring are Gangetic Dolphins, Wild Water Buffalo, Smooth Coated Otters, Fishing Cats, Nilgai Antelope, and Hog Deer etc.Bengal and Lesser Florican, Indian Courser, Hodgson’s Bushchat can be found north of the Pink Tower. In the barrage Little Pratincole, Indian Skimmer, waders, gulls, terns etc can be seen.
Day 5
Drive to Chitwan National Park Overnight in Resort

This morning after breakfast, drive to Chitwan. Chitwan is in the lowlands of Nepal, known as the Terai. The Chitwan National park is the best-known site in Nepal for bird watching. Bird watching need to be done from the safely of a chair, the back of an elephant or in a jeep (by far the last choice) and if you wish to walk, accompanied by a guide or a naturalist, or preferably an ornithologist. The area consists of Sal Forest, Riverine forest, and grasslands, with three rivers forming the boundaries of the park. Some 500 species have been recorded in Chitwan and some of them are Blue Indian Roller, Stork-billed Kingfishers, Bengal Florican, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Bee-eaters, and Cormorants.
Day 6
Birdwatching Tour and Jungle activities. Overnight in Resort

Wake up call followed by tea/ coffee. Bird watching / Elephant Safari / Jungle walk. After breakfast Crocodile walk, walk through grassland and forest upstream of the Narayani River. Board boats to observe crocodiles along the banks while floating back to the camp. After Lunch activities like elephant Safari /Jungle Walk / Visit Observation Tower / Nature Walk with Boat Ride. Evening dinner with followed by (Tharu stick dance) , Cultural activities.
Day 7
Jungle Activities & Drive to Kathmandu Overnight in Hotel

Wake up call followed by tea/ coffee. Enjoy one activities & fly to Kathmandu. Later afternoon is free day and you can use it for your shopping. In the evening we will drive you for farewell dinner with cultural dance.
Day 8
Depart Kathmandu B

All too soon it’s time to bid Nepal farewell and one realizes that we can never be intimate, only acquainted, with this amazing Himalayan adventure.

Route Map

Best Shots

Image Gallery

Equipment for Bird watching

Optics

Binoculars

Telescope

Tripod / optical support

Camera

Getting Started
Binoculars and a warm jacket will get you started on your new bird watching adventure. Choose binoculars strong enough to view birds in their nests high atop the tallest tree, or across a crevasse. Look for strong straps and a quality carrying / storage case.